Ring out the old.... Rock in the new.

The 2024 Chicagoland original music scene had its ups and downs. Sad that the active year in Chicago area music ends with the closing of the Outtaspace in Berwyn. The second major venue shutdown in four years, following the closing of Wire in 2020, due to the financial failure from the COVID pandemic. The Outtaspace is going out with a big drum bang from Brad Elvis, drummer of Chicago diverse garage band the Handcuffs. I talk with Brad and guitarist/ singer Chloe Orwell after they rocked a full house one last time at The Outtaspace..

There's plenty of lasts on this final Local Loft of 2024. The final decisions will be given. Year In Review 2024 spotlights the excellence in original Chicagoland metal, punk, alternative rock and power pop. Sure, this final playlist will be debatable, It's only opinion. Don't read past this point if you don't want the surprise spoiled.

And the honors go to:

The Handcuffs-Big Fat Mouth Shut

The Handcuffs-The End Of The Party

Colleen Wild & The Haunted (Best 2024 Chicagoland Area Original Music Scene Newcomer)-Haunted

Repentance (Best 2024 Original Chicagoland Metal Album-The Process Of Human Demise)-The Process Of Human Demise

Redneck Remedy (Best 2024 Original Chicagoland Comeback-When It Rains, It Pours (live from Kankakee Estival Festival, Bird Park, Kankakee-9/23/24)

Shaper (Best 2024 Original Alternative Rock Album-Live At Third City Sound)-Task Paralysis

Carrying Torches (Best 2024 Original Chicagoland Alternative Rock Band)-Good In Blue

13-Monsters-Hang Around (Live At Punk Rock Tacos 54-8/10/24 Best 2024 Original Chicagoland Live Show Cemitas Poblanas, Villa Park)

Acton's Dictum (Best Original 2024 Chicagoland Punk Band)-What You Despise

Vaudevileins (Best 2024 Original Chicagoland Rock Album, Lights Out)-Cut From You